Yesterday was the 9th of the Jewish month of Av. It's the day we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temples and other tragedies that "coincidently" happened on the same date. Nothing's a coincidence, when G-d is chief Executive.
Even though the 9th is the day we fast, the most serious destruction was on the 10th, so the restrictions are still in force. The pool won't re-open until afternoon, and laundry can't be washed until then either.
And the music I listen to doesn't have musical instruments. I'm the type who must have music in the background to function well. The wrong music, and I'm in a bad mood, snappy and out of sorts. When I have the right music, I'm calm, energetic, happy, whatever is needed.
Luckily a couple of years ago a friend told me about the "a cappella" CD's. I have one in the CD player near the livingroom and den and another in my bedroom to help me fall asleep. If you've been looking for something to listen to, now's the time to buy them and have them ready. We're going through times when a cappella is most suitable, real quality singing.
These are the ones I have:
"HaMakelah" by Yochai Briskman, Gal-Paz
"Eli Gerstner & The Chevra Sing A Cappella," Gal-Paz
I presume that there are other disks, any suggestions?
Monday, August 15, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Blog Burst, Temple Mount, Har HaBayit, JERUSALEM!
Kesher Talk has initiated a very special blog burst for Tisha B'Av about Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. There are some very good articles, though there may be a minor error in the introduction to this.
Tisha B'Av, the 9th of Av, Menachem Av
This is the Fast of the 9th of Av, Menachem--G-d should have mercy on us--Av. And the weather is from hell, sorry, but it's the most accurate word I can think of. It's a raging sauna outside.
The fast began last night, before Shabbat was even over. But Tisha B'Av doesn't sneak upon us slowly. It is the "highlight" of the three week period during which we gradually increase mourning for our Holy Temples, and we yearn for the final one and the coming of the Moshiach, geula, redemption.
I was in the states while this three week period began. It's much harder there, especially when the fasts are on Sundays. I got home in time for the Nine Days of more intensified mourning, from the beginning of the month of Av, known as Menachem Av. Last Shabbat was Rosh Chodesh, the only "head of the month" not celebrated as a minor holiday. I spent Saturday night at jail.
On Wednesday I went to the kotel for a double prayer assembly. And obviously it wasn't enough, just gave me an appetite for more. Tel Aviv was indescribable.
On Shabbat Shiloh celebrated the second Shabbat brit milah in a row, and there also was a Bar Mitzvah, eldest great-grandson of a four generation family. The families had a joint kiddush after the double simcha. Then after barely recovering from the walk in the heat, I walked down again for the memorial shiur for Harel Oz Bin Nun (HaYa"D) by his mother Malka. Harel and Shlomo Libman were murdered while doing security patrols in Yitzhar. After that we, the ladies of Shiloh went to the Mishkan Synagogue for a Women's Prayer. We sat down in the main, read: men's sanctuary with the Aron Kodesh, Holy Ark open.
It's now still Tisha B'Av, and it's hard to fast in this weather. This morning some neighbors and I went to Har Nof, Jerusalem for hear some shiurim at Shearim. It gave us strength and lots to think about.
My friends and I are all weighing the options of what we will do to stop Disengagement, though we know that the final decision is with G-d. It's still up to all of us to try something.
This afternoon, there's a shiur by Dov Berkovits.
It's difficult to fast this year, but I guess G-d, who controls the weather did it on purpose. Life isn't easy.
The fast began last night, before Shabbat was even over. But Tisha B'Av doesn't sneak upon us slowly. It is the "highlight" of the three week period during which we gradually increase mourning for our Holy Temples, and we yearn for the final one and the coming of the Moshiach, geula, redemption.
I was in the states while this three week period began. It's much harder there, especially when the fasts are on Sundays. I got home in time for the Nine Days of more intensified mourning, from the beginning of the month of Av, known as Menachem Av. Last Shabbat was Rosh Chodesh, the only "head of the month" not celebrated as a minor holiday. I spent Saturday night at jail.
On Wednesday I went to the kotel for a double prayer assembly. And obviously it wasn't enough, just gave me an appetite for more. Tel Aviv was indescribable.
On Shabbat Shiloh celebrated the second Shabbat brit milah in a row, and there also was a Bar Mitzvah, eldest great-grandson of a four generation family. The families had a joint kiddush after the double simcha. Then after barely recovering from the walk in the heat, I walked down again for the memorial shiur for Harel Oz Bin Nun (HaYa"D) by his mother Malka. Harel and Shlomo Libman were murdered while doing security patrols in Yitzhar. After that we, the ladies of Shiloh went to the Mishkan Synagogue for a Women's Prayer. We sat down in the main, read: men's sanctuary with the Aron Kodesh, Holy Ark open.
It's now still Tisha B'Av, and it's hard to fast in this weather. This morning some neighbors and I went to Har Nof, Jerusalem for hear some shiurim at Shearim. It gave us strength and lots to think about.
My friends and I are all weighing the options of what we will do to stop Disengagement, though we know that the final decision is with G-d. It's still up to all of us to try something.
This afternoon, there's a shiur by Dov Berkovits.
It's difficult to fast this year, but I guess G-d, who controls the weather did it on purpose. Life isn't easy.
Friday, August 12, 2005
most beautiful part of last night's anti-Disengagement Demonstration in Tel Aviv
It's almost Shabbat, but before I forget I must tell you about the most wonderful and moving part of last night's anti-Disengagement Demonstration in Tel Aviv.
I started walking towards "Reading," where the buses were parked and waiting, close to the end. I had just heard my neighbor, Tamar Keinan, brother of Avihu who was killed in a badly planned army action almost two years ago. Their father initiated the "walks" or marches to Jerusalem during Succot. Well Tamar spoke beautifully, representing the bereaved siblings.
As I was walking down one of Tel Aviv's main streets, Ibn Gvirol, and lots of other demonstrators were also walking. It was definitely an important part of the demonstration. We had also marched, as a long line, hundreds, thousands, when we arrived.
We could still hear the speakers. Then the demonstration ended with the singing of Hatikvah, Israel's National anthem. Suddenly, within seconds, everyone stood still, at attention, and we all sang together.
Shabbat Shalom and Tzom Kal, since before Shabbat is even over the Fast of Tisha (the 9th) of Av begins. It's in mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temples thousands of years ago, and now it's also to beg G-d to have mercy on us and our precious Land.
I started walking towards "Reading," where the buses were parked and waiting, close to the end. I had just heard my neighbor, Tamar Keinan, brother of Avihu who was killed in a badly planned army action almost two years ago. Their father initiated the "walks" or marches to Jerusalem during Succot. Well Tamar spoke beautifully, representing the bereaved siblings.
As I was walking down one of Tel Aviv's main streets, Ibn Gvirol, and lots of other demonstrators were also walking. It was definitely an important part of the demonstration. We had also marched, as a long line, hundreds, thousands, when we arrived.
We could still hear the speakers. Then the demonstration ended with the singing of Hatikvah, Israel's National anthem. Suddenly, within seconds, everyone stood still, at attention, and we all sang together.
Shabbat Shalom and Tzom Kal, since before Shabbat is even over the Fast of Tisha (the 9th) of Av begins. It's in mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temples thousands of years ago, and now it's also to beg G-d to have mercy on us and our precious Land.
demonstrating
I've been to more demonstrations this week than for years. Until this week I've let my fingers do the walking to the keyboard. That way I can demonstrate my feelings and politics most easily and accurately.
But now I'm on vacation from my "day job" as high school English Teacher; journalism is my hobby, and blogging's the main medium.
Also, we're at a crucial, critical time in Jewish History, yes, Jewish not just Israeli, and we need to invest more of ourselves. And especially after my visit to the states, it's just not enough to be a cyber-protester. Not everyone's online.
So last Saturday night, after Shabbat, I joined the youngsters and took the bus to the Maasiyahu jail, for the weekly Melave Malka to show the anti-Disengagement prisoners that they're not alone. See the pictures, and read my musing about it.
Wednesday I was at both the women's prayer at Kotel Katan and the main gathering. And then last night I went to the enormous rally in Tel Aviv.
And now I have to demonstrate other skills and responsibilites. It's time to cook and clean for Shabbat, the Shabbat before Tisha B'Av. This year Tisha B'Av is Sunday, meaning that the holiness of Shabbat is affected. We begin the fast on Shabbat itself, which is definitely a sign that we are in Moshiach Times. G-d willing.
Shabbat Shalom U'Mivorach!
But now I'm on vacation from my "day job" as high school English Teacher; journalism is my hobby, and blogging's the main medium.
Also, we're at a crucial, critical time in Jewish History, yes, Jewish not just Israeli, and we need to invest more of ourselves. And especially after my visit to the states, it's just not enough to be a cyber-protester. Not everyone's online.
So last Saturday night, after Shabbat, I joined the youngsters and took the bus to the Maasiyahu jail, for the weekly Melave Malka to show the anti-Disengagement prisoners that they're not alone. See the pictures, and read my musing about it.
Wednesday I was at both the women's prayer at Kotel Katan and the main gathering. And then last night I went to the enormous rally in Tel Aviv.
And now I have to demonstrate other skills and responsibilites. It's time to cook and clean for Shabbat, the Shabbat before Tisha B'Av. This year Tisha B'Av is Sunday, meaning that the holiness of Shabbat is affected. We begin the fast on Shabbat itself, which is definitely a sign that we are in Moshiach Times. G-d willing.
Shabbat Shalom U'Mivorach!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
overslept and report on last night's prayer gatherings at kotel and kotel katan
rare for me
yes, very rare
I overslept. It's a combination of last dregs of jetlag and the fact that I was in Jerusalem last night, at the amazing humongous, that's super-enormous prayer gathering at the kotel.
I doubt that any of the media described it accurately.
The kotel area was so packed that people couldn't enter from any of the stairs, gates etc. Reports that the city wall gates were full and backed up. Ir David was full of Jews. We didn't need armed escorts there. The guards watched from the rooftops.
My daughter and I were at the Women's Prayer-Psalms at the "Kotel Katan" an hour earlier. It was absolutely beautiful and packed of course. The police had a few cameras focused on all the participants as we left the area. We were all photographed for the police files of "?" My daughter and I smiled into the cameras. I wish that the police put so much effort into catching terrorists.
More on last night's prayers here.
yes, very rare
I overslept. It's a combination of last dregs of jetlag and the fact that I was in Jerusalem last night, at the amazing humongous, that's super-enormous prayer gathering at the kotel.
I doubt that any of the media described it accurately.
The kotel area was so packed that people couldn't enter from any of the stairs, gates etc. Reports that the city wall gates were full and backed up. Ir David was full of Jews. We didn't need armed escorts there. The guards watched from the rooftops.
My daughter and I were at the Women's Prayer-Psalms at the "Kotel Katan" an hour earlier. It was absolutely beautiful and packed of course. The police had a few cameras focused on all the participants as we left the area. We were all photographed for the police files of "?" My daughter and I smiled into the cameras. I wish that the police put so much effort into catching terrorists.
More on last night's prayers here.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Women's Prayer
There will be a tefilla for women at the Kotel HaKatan
beginning at 5 p.m., today
Wednesday, 5th of Av, 10th of August,
one hour before the mass tefilla at the "Big Kotel".
If you are not sure how to get there yourself,
meet at the entrance to the tunnel leading to the "Moslem" Quarter at 4: 45.
The tefilla is coordinated with the police.
beginning at 5 p.m., today
Wednesday, 5th of Av, 10th of August,
one hour before the mass tefilla at the "Big Kotel".
If you are not sure how to get there yourself,
meet at the entrance to the tunnel leading to the "Moslem" Quarter at 4: 45.
The tefilla is coordinated with the police.
enough
I'm sure that you've had enough of my ketching about jet lag. Enough!
I was at the kotel today. I walked from downtown Jerusalem. I had two and a half hours until my pictures and cd of them were to be ready. I figured that especially since this isn't a shopping week, and last week I dozed in the Anna Ticho Library, I needed to get to a more spiritual place.
The Old City was mobbed. You'd think it Chol Hamoed, except for the fact that the proportion of religious/chareidi visitors was lower than for holidays. There were lots of tourists, and not the Jewish kind.
The ladies' section was crowded and too sunny, but I got to the front, near the little room and there it was shaded.
I don't remember if I took any pictures.
Good night
I was at the kotel today. I walked from downtown Jerusalem. I had two and a half hours until my pictures and cd of them were to be ready. I figured that especially since this isn't a shopping week, and last week I dozed in the Anna Ticho Library, I needed to get to a more spiritual place.
The Old City was mobbed. You'd think it Chol Hamoed, except for the fact that the proportion of religious/chareidi visitors was lower than for holidays. There were lots of tourists, and not the Jewish kind.
The ladies' section was crowded and too sunny, but I got to the front, near the little room and there it was shaded.
I don't remember if I took any pictures.
Good night
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
More on jet lag
I'm slowly getting back to myself, feeling very summer vacation, 9 days, nothing to do, since we can neither sleep nor shop.
I decided to google it. Mostly commercial sites, but one made me feel better. It states that it generally takes a day per time zone to recover. I traveled 7 time zones, and yesterday was pretty normal, which means that I did well. Tomorrow is a week since landing.
Sunday, which was day five, if you count arrival day, I didn't set my alarm. OK, I also went to bed much later than usual the night before, but I only had a two-third day, two meals, didn't function until close to noon. OK, I also went to bed late, but yesterday was pretty normal, and today almost normal. I just haven't had breakfast. My breakfast appetite still isn't 100% normal. But I'm not very physically active either.
I sent in a couple of articles re:Nefesh B'Nefesh , and I started another musing on a more political topic. Must finish it this morning. So I guess I ought to stop lazing around.
I decided to google it. Mostly commercial sites, but one made me feel better. It states that it generally takes a day per time zone to recover. I traveled 7 time zones, and yesterday was pretty normal, which means that I did well. Tomorrow is a week since landing.
Sunday, which was day five, if you count arrival day, I didn't set my alarm. OK, I also went to bed much later than usual the night before, but I only had a two-third day, two meals, didn't function until close to noon. OK, I also went to bed late, but yesterday was pretty normal, and today almost normal. I just haven't had breakfast. My breakfast appetite still isn't 100% normal. But I'm not very physically active either.
I sent in a couple of articles re:Nefesh B'Nefesh , and I started another musing on a more political topic. Must finish it this morning. So I guess I ought to stop lazing around.
Monday, August 08, 2005
staff meeting
Today was a staff meeting at the school I work in. Yes, it's that time of the year again. I had to tell the principal that the schedule he gave me wasn't at all acceptable.
Vacation's almost over.
Vacation's almost over.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Double mincha
I hope that this does the trick to banish the jet lag. I finally let myself sleep late, until after 11am. Last night, uncharacteristically, I was wide awake enough to travel to the Maasiyahu Jail for the weekly "Melaveh Malka," loud enough so the prisoners could hear it. There was a bus from Shiloh. We got back after 1am and after an hour or more on the computer I went to sleep. Couldn't budge myself until after 11. Missed Shacharit, so I had to wait until Mincha.
Now to "muse" about it. Hopefully the "musing" will be on shiloh musings in another couple of hours, bli neder.
Now to "muse" about it. Hopefully the "musing" will be on shiloh musings in another couple of hours, bli neder.
An Enjoyable Visit to a Museum
The pictures are of my parents at the large mural of the Holy Temple. We visited the museum earlier in the summer.
For some people all of Israel is a museum. There's some truth to it when you think of the history connected to every nook and cranny. I remember my cousin's son visiting me in Shiloh, when we walked down to the ancient tel, he suddenly said: "This is the place I learned about in Hebrew School!"
There's a lovely, very accessible museum in Jerusalem that traces the ancient Biblical societies and cultures. It's the Bible Land Museum. It's located in Givat Ram near the Kenesset and the Israel Museum. A few weeks ago I went there with my parents.
First of all unlike some of the larger museums, there's no hike necessary to enter, and there are easily accessible elevators to every floor. Besides that, we were given a light-weight plastic stool to sit on for reading the captions. Since this is a history museum, it's really helpful to be able to sit and read at one's leisure, rather than standing or sitting too far from the signs.
Of course we were captivated by the ancient jewelry and household items. Some looked so modern we would have bought them if they were newly made. Though we made up for that by later shopping in the gift shop. We were amazed by the fantastic needlepoint tapestries specially designed to tell Biblical stories.
The most irresistible was the large mural of the entrance to the Holy Temple. I posed my parents in front and shot those pictures.
We spent a wonderful few hours, and I highly recommend that you visit.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom
I hope my two hour nap will get me through until bedtime. I could barely move my body when I woke up. It took a while to get out of bed. I must find a cure to jet lag. Of course the sauna temperatures we're having here don't help.
Time to finish in the kitchen.
I have lots of reading material, since there are so many things I never got to see when I was away. After that I will read Seabiscuit, the story the movie is based on. I also bought myself the movie on DVD and some other movies. I've seen it and want to use it for teaching.
Shabbat Shalom u'M'vorach!
I hope my two hour nap will get me through until bedtime. I could barely move my body when I woke up. It took a while to get out of bed. I must find a cure to jet lag. Of course the sauna temperatures we're having here don't help.
Time to finish in the kitchen.
I have lots of reading material, since there are so many things I never got to see when I was away. After that I will read Seabiscuit, the story the movie is based on. I also bought myself the movie on DVD and some other movies. I've seen it and want to use it for teaching.
Shabbat Shalom u'M'vorach!
jet lag
Yes, I'm suffering from a serious case of jet lag. I couldn't stay awake after 9:30 pm, so I went to bed. I had a very full day.
*forgive me if I'm repeating myself*
I was up 5:45, went to the pool from 8-9, then to Jerusalem in the afternoon to develop pictures and get them on disk. I conked out in the Anna Ticho Library, where I waited for awhile. Then got the pictures, had a free cup of coffee, which kept me going for awhile. Then to Ofra to see my daughter and her family and give first round of gifts to the girls--a book each. Hallelie got the classic "Caps for Sale" from my cousin Lisa, and Porat got a cute texture/touch baby book from her. I'm only giving one gift at a time.
Then I got back home, made dinner for me and my husband, but by the time he came home just after 9, I was falling asleep. By 2am, I couldn't stay in bed. None of my usual tricks worked, so I gave up and decided to see how to deal with the pictures on the computer.
Quite a few of my Nefesh B'Nefesh ones came out really great. I wish I could sell them, but I'm just not a good hustler. I'll use some to illustrate articles and put as many as I can on my picture blog.
Now, I have a desparate request for help!
How can I get rid of this jet lag?!!!
*forgive me if I'm repeating myself*
I was up 5:45, went to the pool from 8-9, then to Jerusalem in the afternoon to develop pictures and get them on disk. I conked out in the Anna Ticho Library, where I waited for awhile. Then got the pictures, had a free cup of coffee, which kept me going for awhile. Then to Ofra to see my daughter and her family and give first round of gifts to the girls--a book each. Hallelie got the classic "Caps for Sale" from my cousin Lisa, and Porat got a cute texture/touch baby book from her. I'm only giving one gift at a time.
Then I got back home, made dinner for me and my husband, but by the time he came home just after 9, I was falling asleep. By 2am, I couldn't stay in bed. None of my usual tricks worked, so I gave up and decided to see how to deal with the pictures on the computer.
Quite a few of my Nefesh B'Nefesh ones came out really great. I wish I could sell them, but I'm just not a good hustler. I'll use some to illustrate articles and put as many as I can on my picture blog.
Now, I have a desparate request for help!
How can I get rid of this jet lag?!!!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
fading, rapidly fading
my eyelids are dropping
and it's hard to prop them up
got the pictures developed, printed and put on a disk
my compromise with advanced technology
still can't stand
the thought of digital
and as a bonus
for spending so much
got a free cup of coffee
--sitting, not take away
at the Ne'eman
where Sbarro once stood and
was attacked
extra caffein
gave me the
afternoon
saw the younger generation
two cute girls
and now I'm tired, but it would be good
to keep myself moving
just another
half hour
but I'm fading
rapidly fading
and it's hard to prop them up
got the pictures developed, printed and put on a disk
my compromise with advanced technology
still can't stand
the thought of digital
and as a bonus
for spending so much
got a free cup of coffee
--sitting, not take away
at the Ne'eman
where Sbarro once stood and
was attacked
extra caffein
gave me the
afternoon
saw the younger generation
two cute girls
and now I'm tired, but it would be good
to keep myself moving
just another
half hour
but I'm fading
rapidly fading
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